When travelling internationally one thing is certain and that is that nothing is certain. You can have packed precisely, researched in detail and planned to perfection BUT there is always the potential that everything can be turned upside down. At best I'm talking about delayed flights and lost luggage, at worst, you could be looking at a natural disaster or even an act of terror. I don't say this to be at all alarmist and I certainly don't say it to scare you out of travel - as you know we are the biggest advocates of travel - but I say it to be realistic and to help you be prepared for whatever your adventures might throw at you.